Hydrogen-Rich Saline Reduced Lung Scarring in Mice
Protective Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Saline Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Alveolar Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Pulmonary Fibrosis
Research hubs: Respiratory System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Wen-Wen Dong, Yun-Qian Zhang, Xiao-Yan Zhu, Yan-Fei Mao, Xue-Jun Sun, Yu-Jian Liu, Lai Jiang
- Journal
- Medical Science Monitor
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28522797
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 2.5, 5, or 10 ml/kg hydrogen-rich saline
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 30 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline could potentially reduce lung damage and scarring caused by severe lung inflammation.
Key Finding
In mice with induced lung injury, hydrogen-rich saline significantly reduced lung scarring and prevented the transformation of lung cells into scar-forming cells by reducing oxidative stress.
Summary
Researchers gave mice a lung injury using a bacterial toxin, then treated some with hydrogen-rich saline (salt water containing dissolved hydrogen gas). They found that hydrogen-rich saline reduced lung scarring and prevented the transformation of lung cells into scar-forming cells. The treatment also reduced harmful molecules called free radicals (unstable atoms that damage cells) and restored the lung's natural antioxidant defenses (the body's ability to neutralize these harmful molecules).
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen-rich saline may help prevent lung scarring in acute respiratory distress syndrome, but results from mouse studies do not automatically translate to humans. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before any health recommendations could be made.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background Fibrotic change is one of the important reasons for the poor prognosis of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The present study investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich saline, a selective hydroxyl radical scavenger, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary…